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Yep, that’s right it’s pomegranate season. If you haven’t tried this delicious fruit you are missing out on a tasty treat.

There are so many ways to enjoy pomegranates. There’s bottled juice by POM. The plain is excellent and the pomegranate/pineapple tastes like Hawaiian Punch to me. I like to add a splash of juice to plain or vanilla greek yogurt. For a refreshing drink, add it to sparkling water with a slice of lime. Delish!

Buying the fruit fresh and squeezing the juice or eating the fruit is…well…like tasting a garden tomato vs a store bought tomato. There’s no comparison. To cut a pomegranate, I cut it into 4 sections and then use my fingers to pop out the seeds over a bowl of water. It’s messy but worth it. Here’s a video to help you.

Let’s not forget fruit itself – the arils or seeds. You can sprinkle them on your cereal, steel cut oats, into your yogurt or my favorite way…eat with a spoon. You can cut and gather the seeds yourself from the pomegranate OR go to the produce section of your store and you’ll see the seeds next to the pomegranate juice. But…they are only available for a short time so get them now!

Hope everyone has been enjoying the fresh cherries in season right now. If not, get them quick, they’ll be out of season soon. Since I’ve eaten all my fresh cherries, I’m using tart cherry juice in today’s recipe.

A few of my friends follow the blog but aren’t quite ready to throw greens into their smoothies. So for all of you out there who want to ease in, this one’s for you.

P.S. next time you make it, throw in a few slices of cucumber or a sprig or parsley or a couple pieces of lettuce.

Never tried a Goji berry? Goji berries are filled with powerful antioxidants and rich in vitamin A. They are thought to help with diabetes, high blood pressure, and age-related eye problems.

How about Chia Seeds? Chia seeds are called a “superfood”. The ancient Mayans and Azetcs included them as a staple in their diet and relied on them to boost energy and increase stamina. Today this seed, not the chia pet!, is a favorite of distance runners who swear it enhances endurance.

Chia seeds are full of fiber – 5 grams per tablespoon. You can eat the seeds raw (though you’ll need to rinse or brush your teeth or risk having them stuck in your teeth. Not an attractive look.) They help keep you full since they swell when combined with water or in your tummy. The seeds can be used in oatmeal, to replace eggs in baked goods. One tbsp. replaces one large egg. Sprinkle them on salads, in soups, etc. You can make a gel like pudding as well.

I made a delicious Wicked Green Smoothie this morning that I had to share. It was so tasty and immediately made me think of the tropics! You won’t even taste the greens and your body will thank you. Go on try it! OK, if you’re afraid, leave the greens out – grins.

2 Tbsp chia seeds – if you’re a beginner you can omit or just 1 tbsp. Using 2 tbsp. will keep you full until lunch or dinner
1 c. pineapple (fresh, frozen or in it’s own juice)
2 big handfuls collard greens torn to pieces (if you’re new, only add maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of a collard leaf) These are also great to use frozen if you like a thicker smoothie.